I've gone through the various threads trying to find an answer to this question but haven't had any luck yet.

This weekend I was driving my new (new to me it has 165k miles). Its an 01 QC 4.7 5 speed. I was in 5th going about 70 when the truck jerked hard, I lost power and it started sounding like a thrashing machine.

I got it pulled over and eventually towed to mechanic.

The rear LSD is toast (big surprise) but the mechanic also said I should replace pinion bearings and ring gear for a total out the door cost for everything at $2000. I only paid 3k for the truck in the first place. I just need the cheapest fix for this.

So these are my questions:

Is it necessary to replace the pinion and ring gear?
Can I replace the LSD with an open dif?
Should I just look to replace the rear end from the junk yard?

Any suggestions would be fantastic!

 

If the ring and pinion are damaged, replace them, if not, leave well enough alone. Might as well replace the pinion bearings, they are known to fail on the 9.25.

You can put whatever diff you'd like in there.

A junkyard rear end swap would be cheapest and easiest IMO.

 

$2000 seems sort of high for a rebuild of just one axle. that's ring, pinion, all bearings, maybe even carrier, spiders, LSD, etc. if it sounded like a thrashing machine it may very well have chewed up everything.

as said, a complete rear end assy from the junk yard would run about $350, plus the install labor. that's what i'd do. damn $2000.

 

Look at the ring and pinion thats the easiest way to tell if they need done but depending on the yard but here in pa I can get a axle for 150.00(for trucks doesnt matter what it is)only thing is you pull it

 

Thanks for the help. Yes they did mention that was also replacing the Loaded carrier and pinion barring. He didn't say the ring and pinion were damaged but just that he noticed it had a lot of play in them. If I replaced them it would be quieter. I'm not as worried about it being quiet as I am just running. LOL

If I could find a rear end assembly, is that a pretty tough job for a newbe? Or should I get the mechanic to do it?

 

no personal experience on a dakota, but i've done older chevy's. if you have floor jack, jack stands, nice place to work, tools, time, and patience, its not bad. if you have none of those and you're out in the rain, it sucks.

just put the truck frame up on stands. take everything loose,
all wires, brake lines, e-brake, drive shaft, springs or u-bolts.
drop the axle assembly, roll in the new, reassemble. check brakes.

its dirty, things are big and heavy. be careful. a buddy is a big help.

a pro could do it in 2 or 3 hours or less, so labor cost wouldn't break the bank.

 

Pick up a haynes manual at autozone,advance or even ebay they are like 15.00 it will tell you everything you need and how to do it. Basically if you have jack,sockets,wrenches,pliers,hammer,screw drivers you can pretty much get it done. It can be done in a day or 2 depending on how long you work and what tools you have.

 

I've done these myself on a ford - not tough at all. Just turning wrenches. The hardest part is bleeding the brakes. & that isn't hard - you just need 2 of you.

Like said before - secure the frame of the truck - you don't want it to fall.

Honestly though - if you can find one - the same mechanic should be able to install it & have you out the door for less than $500 - plus you don't get greasy.

If you have 4x4 - make sure your junk yard ring gear matches your front or you will have bad times.